Old plumbing is notoriously unreliable and generally fraught with problems. Any house older than fifty years old is likely to have plumbing made from galvanized steel, which corrodes easily and collects dirt and debris, leading to clogs and ruptures. Though old houses are most likely to have old pipes, older homes with new pipes may also have a number of problems.

Corrosion

The older the pipes are, the more likely they are to be corroded, especially the pipes responsible for hot water. Corrosion is caused by metal reacting with water, so it is common in all kinds of pipes, but is especially bad in galvanized steel. As the water eats away at and reacts with the metal, it creates areas for debris to collect, as well as weak points in the pipes that can turn into ruptures during the winter if the pipes happen to freeze.

Poor Planning

Sometimes, it was impossible to plan for the future, when the house might be remodeled or need repairs. However, sometimes, the way that plumbing used to be installed can create serious problems. If pipes doubled as a support structure for the house, the weight of the materials and time may take its toll on the plumbing. The only real fix for this is replacement with a better system.

Leaks

Just as with anything, as plumbing ages, it can develop weakness and leaks, especially where two pipes come together. If these pipes were not properly sealed or have worked themselves loose over years and years of use, you may be experience leaking in your walls and not even know it. If your house is prone to mold or rot, you may have leaking pipes. The older your house and plumbing are, the more likely this is.

The Size of the Pipes

The pipes used to run water today are usually larger than the pipes used to run water even twenty years ago. This can cause a problem if you are trying to renovate your home, as new plumbing may not match up to old plumbing.

For information about how to repair these plumbing problems, contact Kirkland and Shaw today!